Make way Santa; Scrooge returns to Sea Cliff
The Sea Cliff Civic Association hosted its annual ‘Scrooge Walk,’ celebrating and performing the iconic story ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens. Story, more photos, Page 10.
N.Y. Metro Super Lawyers elect Rubinowitz ‘top attorney’
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
Ben Rubinowitz, managing partner at Gair, Gair, Conason and longtime Sea Cliff resident, has been named the top attorney by New York Metro Super Lawyers for 2024.
Growing up in Franklin Square and now residing in Sea Cliff, Rubinowitz has been representing the people of Long Island his entire career. After graduating from Carey High School, he went on to Boston University before returning back home to earn his law degree from Hofstra University.
Rubinowitz has been with Gair, Gair, Conason
for 35 years securing 30 verdicts and more than 180 settlements. Prior to that, he worked as the assistant district attorney in Nassau County while teaching law at Hofstra University.
“Unfortunately, my father passed away when I was in school, so I came back to Long Island and that’s why I ended up going to Hofstra,” Rubinowitz said. ”I am really happy with how it worked out that school was great, the teaching was great, and I met a lot of contacts and friends from Hofstra.”
After three years, Rubinowitz moved to New York City to focus on personal injury, product liability, and medical malpractice cases, which
Outdoor gym to honor the late Justin Lee
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
The Sea Cliff Board of Trustees put forward a plan at their latest board meeting on Dec. 2 to develop an outdoor gym and bench for residents to utilize at one of the local parks.
The plan, approved at that meeting to develop the outdoor gym was formulated by Shannon Lee of Sea Cliff, who wanted to dedicate the equipment to her late son Justin, who died in January. Although they are not able to dedicate the gym to Justin, Shannon Lee still believes that this is an important project for the board to continue pursuing.
thought this could be a great place to have an outdoor fitness area, and I knew he would love that because he was a former boxing instructor and would often take his students here to train.”
I f we can take this as a swing to make the park more multigenerational ... the park then becomes something that is more usable by larger groups of people.
ELENA VILLAFANE Mayor, Sea Cliff
“I would go and stand at the beach and call him, and it was a place that he loved,” Lee said. “When I went to look at it, I thought it would be a great place to have a bench. I started thinking on it more and I
The plan is for the outdoor gym to be added to Memorial Park, inviting residents of all ages to use. Elena Villafane, the mayor of Sea Cliff, said that she believes that the new equipment can bring both teenagers and adults to the park.
“I think this project is very worthwhile and I think it is a wonderful idea. Right now, I think that the park is more for little kids, and this can extend it out,” Villafane said. “If we can take this as a swing to make the park more multigenerational, and have little kids, teenagers, and adults, I think the park then becomes something that is more usable by
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Courtesy Ann and Dan DiPietro
Park will accommodate more teens and adults
larger groups of people.”
The original proposed idea was for the Lee family to gather the amount necessary for the equipment through fundraising and donations. Villafane explained that she believed this project needed to be done by the village to avoid complications.
“One option that we have discussed that the village will commit to do the project and allow for the bench to be placed when the project is finished, rather than have the family do the fundraising for it,” Villafane said. “If we’re going to take a pulse on the conversation, I think that this is something I would like to do, but I want the village to do it.”
Tabout other things that would go into the project. Among them she mentioned that a memorial bench would be set up for Justin Lee after the completion of the project.
his project is so in line with Justin’s spirit, and I want to do anything I can going forward to help.
SHANNON LEE Resident, Sea Cliff
Villafane detailed about how the project would look. She brought up some financial concerns that some of the board members had and also talked
Other board members commented about the project before deciding to continuing to move forward.
Shannon Lee said even though the project is still in its early stages, she is grateful for the board’s consideration and is willing to help in any way that she can.
“I know that this project is still in its seedling stages right now, but I can’t thank both my daughter Brianna, who was a massive help in setting all of this up, and Elena and the other members of the board for their continued support,” Lee said. “This project is so in line with Justin’s spirit, and I want to do anything I can going forward to help.”
Toys for Tots Collection Drive in O.B.
The Town of Oyster Bay’s ‘CruiseThru’ Toys for Tots Collection Drive will take place at John Burns Park in Massapequa on Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In partnership with the United States Marine Corps and Optimum, the town is collecting toys to help families and those less fortunate throughout the community during the upcoming holiday season. In addition to the ‘CruiseThru’, collection boxes are located at town facilities through Dec. 13.
“The Toys for Tots Drive has long been a huge success under the leadership of the U.S. Marine Corps, especially here in the Town of Oyster Bay, as just last year we collected close to 35,000 toys for Long Island children,” Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “I encourage all of our residents who are able to donate to this amazing cause, as the Toys for Tots Drive helps ensure that disadvantaged children within our community do not have to go the holiday season without something to bring them happiness.”
The ‘Cruise Thru Holiday Toy Drive’ will provide residents a way to contribute directly to the cause and help bring a smile to a child’s face this
holiday season. Additionally, the event will feature a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a holiday drop box where children can drop their letters to Santa off at. Letters dropped off with a legible name and return address will be answered by Santa before the holiday.
“Toys for Tots sends a message of hope to less fortunate children who otherwise wouldn’t be receiving presents this holiday season. I urge residents, who can, to donate new unwrapped toys to any of our drop-off locations,” said Town Councilman Tom Hand. “By making a donation, you can help ease the financial burden of our families in need this holiday season.”
Toys for Tots Collection Boxes are located at the following locations:
■ Oyster Bay Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay
■ Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa
■ Ice Skating Center at Bethpage Community Park, 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage
For more information, call (516) 7974121; or visit OysterBayTown.com.
HERALD SCHOOLS
Students built model communities, learning about all of the important people that come together to make a community
G.H. students celebrate their community
Second grade classes at Glen Head School recently had a Community Celebration where each child became a member of their community including a veterinarian, doctor, nurse, fire person, police officer, baker, architect, mail person, and teacher - just to name a few. As part of the celebration, the students sang and acted in their own version of “Who are the People in Your Neighborhood.” Additionally, they built mini towns in their classrooms called Scalzo’s Super Town, Burden’s Busy Town, and Weinbergville and shared comprehensive written reports with their families.
Students not only learned about different communities, but each child
researched and created written booklets about their respective members of the community. In class, their teachers emphasized that communities are interdependent and need one another and the people who live inside to remain happy, healthy, and safe. In addition, the second graders studied the following: Urban, suburban and rural neighborhoods, rules and laws, goods and services, needs and wants, and public and private places. Like a “real” community, the second graders also developed specific laws and rules of their own communities in their classrooms.
–Will Sheeline
In addition to learning about their community, the second graders also learned about the different kinds of communities, like urban and rural.
Second graders dressed up as nurses, architects, bakers and more for the Community Celebration.
Photos courtesy North Shore School District
function smoothly.
Students from Glen Head School named their model communities fun names like ‘Scalzo’s Super Town’ and ‘Burden’s Busy Town.’
Masquers present ‘The Skin of Our Teeth’
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
The North Shore High School theater department just finished another one of their fall productions. This year the school put on the play “The Skin of Our Teeth,” performing three shows from Nov. 22 to 23.
The play was written by Thornton Wilder opened in 1942 and received a Pulitzer Prize for drama. Aaron Brateman, the theater director at the North Shore High School, said he wanted to challenge his students with this classic piece.
It was really cool to see the community embrace it. We got some great feedback from our audiences, and I feel really proud of the work that the students did
“We were interested in a show that was both a great choice for our students and a fun and exciting challenge for them,” Brateman said. This is a very challenging show, it is very weird and very big, and it was really nice to see the students rise up to that challenge.”
Students began the audition process for the show in late September, with rehearsals following every day since. Brateman said that the students would work hard after school and sometimes even give up weekends for the production.
AARON BRATEMAN
Theater director, North Shore High School
“We auditioned the students in late September and then shortly after our rehearsals began every day after school from 3 to 6,” Brateman explained. “That lasted from late September up until the week before the show and then during that week we were here until about 9:00 p.m. everyday rehearsing and sometimes the students would come in on Saturdays to rehearse as well.”
This year many students had to step in to bigger roles than they have had in the past due to the departure of a large senior class. Brateman said the students knew they had big shoes to fill and stepped up to the task.
“Last year we had a very large and talented senior class graduate so moving into this year we knew that we had big shoes to fill, but we also knew that we were in great hands with our current students,” Brateman said. “I am really proud of the show that we put together and we had a lot of students really step into the spotlight and take on bigger roles than they have in the past and they did it in a really strong way.” Brateman also talked about how well received the show was amongst the members of the community. He
said that it was great to see how well they embraced the shows weird nature.
“It was exciting to see our audiences embrace the silliness and weirdness of the show and also the more heartfelt moments and intellectual moments of the show,” Brateman added. “It was really cool to see the
Mae Curiale,
performed as Gladys, Mrs. Antrobus and Henry in the witty, and sometimes bizarre, play.
Own
Flexibility
Reliable
Strong
Ability
community embrace it. We got some great feedback from our audiences, and I feel really proud of the work that the students did.”
The North Shore theater department is now gearing up for its spring musical ‘Mama Mia’ which will be performed on March 14, and March 15.
HERALD
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sea cliff/glen head
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Students Luca Dekkers, left, Ginger Sanborn, Josef Hunter, Axel Glatt and Mae Curiale brought the characters from ‘The Skin of Our Teeth’ to life.
left, Ginger Sanborn and Luca Dekkers
S.C. resident honored for legal excellence
he has continued to focus. Now, the managing partner of his firm, he has consistently been ranked among the top attorneys in New York State and took home the top honor this year.
I“I am fortunate enough to represent clients who have trusted me with their cases, and some have exceedingly large results, with over a hundred million in verdicts on individual cases alone,” Rubinowitz said.
know is that when a client comes to us, or to me personally, I understand the plight that the client is going through, and I will work nonstop, on their case in order to maximize the result.
BEN RUBINOWITZ Attorney
Throughout the last decade, Rubinowitz secured his clients record-setting compensation, most recently getting $120 million to the family of a man who suffered brain damage because of inexperienced doctors failing to treat a stroke in 2023. He emphasized his commitment to his clients, saying that all of the work that he puts in is for them.
“I know is that when a client comes to us, or to me personally, I understand the plight that the client is going through, and I will work nonstop, on their case in order to maximize the result,” Rubinowitz said. “I know this is their one and only shot to receive justice, and if can do that, and I’ve done my job, and luckily, things have worked out very nicely for many of these clients.”
On top of his various work in law,
Ben Rubinowitz
Ben Rubinowitz was voted the top attorney by New York Metro Super Lawyers 2024.
Rubinowitz is an active member of the National Institution for Trial Advocacy, American Board of Trial Advocates, and The New York State Bar Association. Rubinowitz has also continued to educate law students throughout the country through various legal education programs.
Rubinowitz has been honored by New York Metro Super Lawyers many times in the past, gaining top 10 honors from 2019 to 2024 and top 100 honors from 2008 to 2024. Rubinowitz said it is always an honor to be recognized by his peers and is grateful for his recent achievement.
“It is very nice to have been recognized by other lawyers in all fields who felt it appropriate to nominate me and vote on this,” Rubinowitz said. “It’s a tremendous honor to have received something like this and have others saying that the work that is worth their vote and make it clear that they appreciate what has been done.”
NEWS BRIEF
Town’s outdoor skating rinks are open
The Town of Oyster Bay’s outdoor ice skating rinks at Marjorie R. Post and Syosset-Woodbury Community Parks officially opened for the season on Nov. 29 and will remain open through Feb. 23.
“Ice skating is a fun activity for residents of all ages to enjoy, and the Town’s outdoor ice rinks provide the perfect setting to relax, unwind, and take in the wonderful winter atmosphere,” said Town Councilman Lou Imbroto. “Our outdoor ice rink facilities are the perfect antidote to combating cabin fever during the winter months, and are the ideal way to help make coping with the cold fun and enjoyable!”
For residents wishing to take advan-
tage of ice skating but do not wish to be outdoors, the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center is open year-round and is located at 1001 Stewart Ave. in Bethpage.
Indoor skating is open to the public seven days a week, with special extended hours on most holidays and school breaks.
For information on schedules, fees and rink programs, call (516) 797-7990 for the Marjorie Post Park Outdoor Rink or (516) 677-5990 for the Syosset-Woodbury Park Outdoor Rink.
All information is available on the town’s website at OysterBayTown.com/ ice.
Courtesy
HERALD SPORTS
Hofstra hoops showing plenty of promise
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
With a largely new roster this season, fourth-year Hofstra men’s basketball head coach Speedy Claxton was expecting that the beginning of the new season could be a bit of a learning curve. The former standout Hofstra and NBA guard then saw quicker chemistry than he anticipated, providing hope that the 202425 campaign could culminate with a banner.
Hofstra won its first four games to start the new season with many new faces including a 49-48 upset victory against Big East foe Seton Hall at the Nassau Coliseum on Nov. 13. The hot start featured a number of scoring contributions with the Pride also finding ways to win games in a variety of fashions in three straight wins against Iona, Seton Hall and UMass after starting with
a blowout of Division III opponent SUNY Old Westbury.
“Those are three good wins and if you would have told me before the season we would get all three I’d be extremely happy and even if you told me I would only get one I would have been happy,” said Claxton, a former NBA guard who led Hofstra to the NCAA Tournament as a player in 2000. “It shows we can compete with anyone.”
The 4-0 start was followed up by stiff competition at Florida State and then 7th-ranked Houston. The Pride then headed to the Bahamas for three games over the Thanksgiving weekend and knocked off Rice in overtime 68-63 and edged Arkansas State 68-66 on a buzzer beater shot from graduate student forward Michael Graham.
Claxton added six transfers and two freshmen to the roster to go along with six returners from last year’s team that went 20-13 and fell to Long Island rival Stony Brook in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) semifinals.
Sophomore guard Jean Aranguren is one of the newcomers shining early as the team’s leading scorer. The Iona transfer registered a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds in Hofstra’s 75-71 overtime win at UMass on Nov. 16.
The addition of Big East transfers Cruz Davis (St. John’s) and Jaquan Sanders (Seton Hall) are also paying dividends early on this season. Sanders was clutch in the Seton Hall win against his old team with 10 second half points while Davis tallied 21 in the UMass victory.
“All three of those guys have been playing well,” Claxton said. “I think that is why we have been performing well in the early part of the season.”
Other transfers added to the roster include Graham (Loyola Marymount), senior guard TJ Gadsden (Canisius) and redshirt sophomore guard Eric Parnell (Eastern Florida State). Graham is the team’s fourth leading scorer and recorded 14 in the dramatic Arkansas State win.
The Pride are also getting a leadership boost from returning players Silas Sunday and German Plotnikov, who both
Newcomer Cruz Davis popped
UMass.
21
saw key minutes last season. The 7-1 Sunday provides a big presence in the paint while Plotnikov is a long-range shooting threat who connected on 47.4 percent of his three-pointers last season.
“They’re both benefiting from being here last year and knowing how we do things,” said Claxton of Sunday and Plotnikov.
Hofstra’s December schedule is highlighted by a Sunday afternoon home game against Temple on Dec. 15 starting at noon. It will also serve as Hofstra’s annual Jewish Heritage Day game.
The CAA home schedule gets under-
way on Jan. 2 against William & Mary at 7 p.m. which will honor the 25th anniversary of David S. Mack Arena. Hofstra’s annual winter homecoming game will take place on Feb. 8 at 4 p.m. against Stony Brook.
Hofstra was picked fourth in the CAA Men’s Basketball Preseason Poll behind Towson, defending champion College of Charleston and UNC-Wilimington.
“The conference is always going to be tough with some really good teams and really good coaches,” Claxton said. “It’s not gonna get any easier once we get into conference play”
photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications
in
points for the Pride in a Nov. 16 victory over
Sophomore Jean Aranguren is leading Hofstra in scoring in the early going.
Celebrating Long Island’s Future Leaders: $2,500 Student Sustainability Prize Open for Nominations
By: Maureen Fitzgerald
Reworld™ is searching for Long Island’s next generation of environmental innovators to receive the first-ever 2025 Student Sustainability Champion Award. This prestigious award honors one outstanding student from Nassau County and one from Suffolk, with each winner receiving $2,500 to support their education or future sustainability projects – presented to the student recipients at the upcoming 2025 Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island.
Nominations are now open, inviting the community to recognize young changemakers under 16 who are making a positive impact. Submissions should highlight the student’s leadership, innovative contributions, and dedication to sustainability. Entries should include a brief description of their achievements and motivation, along with a photo or example of their work—be it a community garden, recycling initiative, or creative environmental solution.
This award is part of the larger 2025 Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island, presented by Reworld™ and hosted by the LI Herald and RichnerLIVE, which will take place on February 26th at The Heritage Club in Bethpage.
The event will bring together community leaders, advocates, and changemakers who are driving innovative environmental solutions and fostering sustainable tomorrows across Long Island.
Despite Long Island’s environmental challenges —coastal erosion, water quality, and balancing development with conservation—stories of innovation and hope thrive. Local nonprofits restore habitats, educators inspire, and leaders prioritize sustainability. From renewable energy to advanced recycling, these efforts showcase the region’s spirit. With Reworld™ fostering this innovation and community empowerment, they’re driving Long Island toward a greener future.
“Reworld™ is honored to partner with RichnerLIVE and the Herald to recognize the inspiring efforts of our young changemakers,” said Dawn Harmon, East Region Area Asset Manager at Reworld™. “This initiative aims to empower Long Island’s future leaders and celebrate the innovative strides our community is taking toward sustainability.”
For more information or to submit a student nomination, visit www.richnerlive.com/reworldcontest. Let’s celebrate the bright minds and groundbreaking innovations shaping Long Island’s sustainable future.
Nominate a student under 16 for the Sustainability Champion Award to recognize their efforts in driving sustainable change.
We want to hear about the extraordinary young individuals who are driving change in their communities.
The award will be presented at the 2025 LI Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island powered by Reworld in February.
Your nomination could inspire countless others to follow in their footsteps!
Submit a nomination of approximately 200 words or less describing the student’s leadership in promoting sustainability: What motivates them? What impact have they had?
Be sure to include a photo or an example of their work—whether it’s a community garden, an environmental campaign, or a creative solution to a sustainability challenge.
Ebenezer Scrooge pays Sea Cliff a visit
The Sea Cliff Civic Association hosted its annual Scrooge Stroll on Dec. 1, treating residents of all ages to a walking performance of Charles Dickens’ classic story, “A Christmas Carol.” With association members playing the roles of Scrooge, his friends and family, and of course the ghosts that teach him to mend his ways, the event brought over 50 attendees out in the cold to experience the holiday spirit.
–Will Sheeline
The walking performance took place at homes, outside buildings, and even in parking lots.
Photos courtesy Ann and Dan DiPietro
Performers from the Sea Cliff Civic Association performed on the porches of houses throughout the village.
‘A Christmas Carol’ could never be complete without Tiny Tim, played by Bevy Beaudin.
Ann DiPietro played the role of one of the ghosts who teach Scrooge the true meaning of Christmas.
Christine Abbenda dressed for success in a Victorianthemed outfit for the performance.
Wassail Day returns with holiday cheer
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
The Sea Cliff Arts Council is teaming up with local businesses for the third annual Wassail Day on Dec. 15, inviting residents to walk through the village, explore local shops, and sample various takes on the traditional holiday drink.
Wassail is a beverage made from hot cider that was made from the ancient tradition of Wassailing, which is an ancient English ritual where people would go door to door and try the different version of the drink, to wish good harvest for the following year. David Keenan, the organizer of Wassail Day in Sea Cliff, said he learned of the tradition while on a trip and thought it would be a great thing to bring to the community.
“My wife and I were in Colorado when we learned about their Wassail walk, which was a week-long version of the event where everyone would get a mug and walk the streets and try all of the different kinds of Wassail,” Keenan said. “Many businesses participated and at the end of the week people would vote for their favorite, and I just thought that tradition would be great to bring to Sea Cliff.”
Residents will start at the Arts Council and get a custom mug by artist Allan Klein, and a map of the town where they can then go and try the various different types of Wassails. By the end of the day residents will be voting on their favorite version of the drink for cash prizes
“There are thousands of ways to make Wassail which is why I think everyone loves it so much everyone can make their own recipes and have fun with it,” Keenan said. “Some people use fruit, cinnamon, raisins, cranberries, and the wine store even does a spiked version for adults to enjoy.”
The event will lead into the Sea Cliff holiday parade and the lighting of the menorah and Christmas Tree. Keenan elaborated on the success of the event, saying he loves seeing the community come together for the holidays.
This will be the third year that the event will be taking place in Sea Cliff with 14 stores in the community agreeing to participate. Keenan said that the event has grown every year in popularity and expects this year to follow the trend.
“It has been successful so far, this will be our third year doing it and last year even though it was pouring rain we
A Baker’s Dozen Reasons to Use a Trust
1. Trusts can shield your assets from the high cost of home care making you eligible for home health aides through the Medicaid program.
2. Trusts start the five year “look-back” for institutional care, making you eligible for Medicaid benefits to pay for a nursing home.
3. Trusts can ensure the inheritances you leave will stay in the bloodline for your grandchildren and not end up with in-laws and their families.
4. Trusts can provide who takes over if you become disabled – guaranteeing you get the person you choose instead of a court-appointed legal guardian.
5. Trusts can avoid a will contest from heirs you leave out or ones that receive less than they think they are entitled to.
6. Trusts give you immediate access to assets on death unlike wills which can take months and
sometimes years to probate.
7. Trusts can provide supervision and protection for special needs and other children who have issues with handling financial matters.
8. Trusts can reduce and often eliminate estate taxes for couples with taxable estates.
9. Trusts can avoid guardianship proceedings for gifts made to grandchildren.
10. Trusts can avoid the problems of locating unknown heirs or dealing with heirs abroad.
11. Trusts can move assets out of your estate for income and estate purposes.
12. Trusts can avoid the expense, delay and publicity of a probate court proceeding for your property in New York and out of state.
13. Trusts can protect the inheritances you leave from your children’s divorces, lawsuits and creditors.
ETTINGER LAW FIRM
still sold out on tickets,” Keenan said.
“Every year we like to add something new this year a couple of kids said they wanted to be caroling during the event so they will be walking around singing songs this year.”
“Sea Cliff lends itself to this type of event, they have main street for everyone to roam and enjoy the local businesses, the view of the water and the beautiful tree lighting that happens afterward,” Keenan explained. “I think people like strolling the town and it’s a fun thing, to see everyone pop in and out of the mom-and-pop stores in the neighborhood and have everyone connect for the holidays.”
For tickets to this year’s Wassail Day, visit the Arts Councils website at seacliffartscouncil.org.
Courtesy Heidi Hunt
Faith Keenan, left, Lorraine Baker, Dave Keenan, Daria Mazz, Karen Buschfrers and Stephanie Sobel got to enjoy last year’s Wassail Day in the village.
North Shore questions regionalization plan
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
The North Shore Board of Education released another statement on Nov. 22, regarding the recently announced New York State Education Department Regionalization Plan. The plan has been a controversial topic over the course of the last several months, with many other districts speaking out on the topic.
Chris Zublionis, the superintendent of North Shore School Districts, had released prior statements about the topic of regionalization. In a statement released on Oct. 29, Zublionis addressed residential concerns about the plan for the first time.
Wthe school district.”
Many school districts have been worried about the wording of the regionalization bill, saying that it will mandate schools to follow the plan and give up local control of school districts. In an update provided by the district on Nov.8, Zublionis addressed these concerns.
e feel strongly that decisions to utilizes local taxpayer funds must involve the formal deliberation ... and action of our Board of Education Trustees.
“As you may be aware there has been increasing discussion on social media throughout several communities about a New York State Education Department initiative known as regionalization,” Zublionis said. “We have been assured that this initiative does not involve any effort by BOCES or NYSED to challenge the local control of
CHRIS ZUBLIONOIS Trustee, Board of Education
“Many school districts, including North Shore, continue to have questions about the potential impact of this initiative,” Zublionois said. “School districts have been told by NYSED and BOCES officials that individual districts will have full choice as to how or if they participate in a regionalization plan.”
On Nov. 22, the district sent out a letter to Lester Young, the chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents, and Betty A. Rosa, the Commissioner of Education for the NYSED. Readdressing concerns about the language used in the plan, and emphasizing the importance of local control.
“We certainty understand the benefits of strategic cooperation and already work closely with neighboring school
districts and our local BOCES,” Zublionois said in the letter. “At the same time we feel strongly that decisions to utilizes local taxpayer funds must involve the formal deliberation, public discussion, and action of our Board of Education Trustees.”
Zublionois then went on to quote a specific section of the recent regionalization plan and asked for clarification on the wording. Rosa in a letter back to Zublionois and other concerned districts on Nov. 26, highlighted changes made to
Senior Living
the wording of the original document.
“Section 12-2.5(d) will be revised to note that suggested amendments to regionalization plans will remain advisory rather than mandatory,” Rosa said in her letter. “This ensures that districts will maintain full control over the plans they develop. To address concerns about mandatory participation, a new provision will be added, which allows districts in consolation with their school boards to elect not to participate in the regionalization planning process.”
Brian Norman/Herald
The New York State Department of Education’s Regionalization Plan has caused widespread controversy amongst residents across Nassau County.
STEPPING OUT
Five times the charm
Laurie Berkner returns with a rockin’ holiday concert for families
By Alyssa Seidman
The scarcity of sun that marks winter’s return often brings Laurie Berkner back to her musical roots. On cozy winter evenings her family would gather ’round a songbook to recite melodies reminiscent of Christmas and falling snow.
“Music always made me feel safe, happy, and loved, and all those feelings come together around [this] time of year,” Berkner says. “Holiday songs were always something that brought up a lot of really warm feelings for me.”
It’s no surprise, then, that Berkner’s discography includes two bestselling albums about the most wonderful time of the year. Families adore her — she still wears the known as the ‘Queen of Kindie Rock’ — and can tale in her festive originals alongside yuletide classics once again when “The Greatest Holiday Hits Tour” arrives here at the Paramount, on Dec. 15.
Berkner is a veritable dynamo as singer/songwriter, author, lyricist, and founder of Two Tomatoes Records. With more than one billion total streams, over 500 million views on YouTube, and millions of albums, singles and DVDs sold, her songs have become beloved classics for families worldwide.
While working as a children’s music specialist at preschools and day care centers in New York City, she gained an instinctive understanding of kids’ natural rhythms and energy. This enabled her to launch the progressive “kindie rock” movement, a genre that is just as palatable to parents and caregivers.
Berkner has released 16 award-winning albums over the course of her decades-long career. She was the first recording artist to perform in music videos on Noggin — appeared regularly on the network’s “Jack’s Big Music Show” — and helped develop the animated musical preschool series “Sing It, Laurie!” for Sprout TV, now Universal Kids.
Berkner has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the White House, among many prestigious venues. She is regularly lauded by her peers, and has been dubbed “the Adele of the preschool crowd” (The New York Times), “the queen of kids’ music” (People), and “one of the most popular children’s performers in America” (Wall Street Journal).
Holiday hits
This is the fifth time “The Greatest Holiday Hits Tour” will grace The Paramount stage. She first brought her holiday concert to Long Island in 2019, and has delighted kids — and kids at heart — every year since, aside from 2020.
“It feels really great to be able to come back each year and make it feel like a tradition,” Berkner says. “It’s that feeling of coming together and doing something that feels really good, fun, and joyous.
“Mostly what I try to do is hit a lot of people’s favorites and put the songs I can’t get to into a medley for the encore. I’ll also be playing my new song ‘Walking With The Penguins,’ so they’ll
Courtesy Jayme Thornton
DoLaurie Berkner is ready to share some holiday cheer with her fans — as only she can. Groove along to festive originals alongside yuletide classics at “The Greatest Holiday Hits Tour.
• Sunday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m.
• Tickets start at $20.50; available at LiveNation.com
• A $1 donation to Little Shelter Animal Rescue is included in each ticket
• The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
hear that live for the first time.”
Her concert features original tunes from her popular holiday albums, “A Laurie Berkner Christmas” and “Another Laurie Berkner Christmas.” She’ll also play treasured holiday classics like “Deck the Halls,” “Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Jingle Bells,” and more.
Of course Berkner’s greatest hits — “We Are The Dinosaurs,” “Waiting for the Elevator” and “Pig On Her Head” — are always in the mix. At that point everyone is sure to be singing and dancing along with their favorite stuffed animal on their head.
The hour-long show fully involves her audience from the get-go; yet two moments in particular stand out to Berkner.
“In every show I do ‘We Are The Dinosaurs,’ and it’s very hard to not start laughing while everyone is screaming. “When I sing ‘My Family’ I will ask people to hug the person they’re there with, and it’s amazing that they actually do it.”
Cultivating these shared experiences for her mixed-age audiences is Berkner’s aim for every performance, but especially at her holiday shows.
“Those events that feel exciting to the kids [yet] still fun and enjoyable for the parents are difficult to find, but my shows fit that bill. I feel really grateful to provide moments where they can connect with one another, and have a sweet, loving memory when they leave.”
New Year’s resolutions
With a new year on the horizon, Berkner shares some of her plans for 2025.
“I very likely will put out another album next year, but I also have a couple projects I can’t talk about yet,” she says.“There will be new music, new videos, and definitely some surprises — probably more on my plate than I should have!”
Her fans would expect nothing less.
Leggz Ltd.’s
‘The Nutcracker’ Visions of sugarplums await when Leggz Ltd. Dance, presents its annual full-length production. Helmed by longtime Artistic Director Joan Hope MacNaughton, it’s as always, accompanied by the South Shore Symphony Orchestra. This year’s production stars Violeta Angelova as the Sugar Plum Fairy, who’s appeared with the Vienna State Oper and Suzanne Farrell Ballet, with George Sanders, who has danced with New York Theatre Ballet and The Little Prince Broadway, as the Cavalier. The gifted young dancers who round out the cast include 9-year-old Vivian Ng as Clara and 11-year-old Matthew Carnaval as The Prince — both Rockville Centre residents.
Friday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 7, 5 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 8, 3 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444.
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening
Jason Bonham, son of the legendary Led Zeppelin drummer, showcases his musical journey and family legacy when he visits the Paramount stage. He celebrates his father with hits from Led Zeppelin’s iconic albums, while highlighting his own contributions to rock history. Encompassing tunes from the iconic band’s entire career, including albums “Led Zeppelin,” “Led Zeppelin II,” and “Led Zeppelin IV,” the concert event is a dynamic tribute to a legend. Jason always finds himself at home behind the drumkit. From this spot, he has anchored the tempo of one of the legendary artists of all-time.
Monday, Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. $99.50, $89.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
Artistic afternoon
Visit Sea Cliff Village Museum for a session with local artists, Friday, Dec. 6, 2 p.m. Local artists share their memories of studying with Harold Ransom Stevenson and Alma Gallanos at their Sea Cliff Studio. Refreshments will be served. 95 Tenth Ave. Sea Cliff. RSVP at museum@seacliff-ny.gov or call (516) 801-3401.
Holiday Festival
Celebrate the season at Glen Cove Downtown BID’s Holiday Festival, Saturday, Dec. 7, 1:30-4:45 p.m. With a holiday craft fair, performances, horse and carriage ride, photos with Santa, and more! Then stay for a tree lighting, at 4:45 p.m. 100 Village Square, Glen Cove. For more information visit glencovedowntown.org
Candlelight Dinner
Glen Cove Senior Center hosts their candlelight dinner, Saturday, Dec. 7, 4:30-8:30 p.m. Withy food, music raffles, photo booths and more. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased at the Glen Cove Senior Center. 130 Glen St. For more information call (516) 7599610. Transportation is available.
Holiday Tales At The Hearth
Visit Sands Point Preserve’s Hempstead House and join in the holiday cheer, Sunday, Dec. 8, 1-4 p.m. The familyfriendly event includes activities for all ages. Meet and take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy jazz and holiday music with Port Jazz Project, along with seasonal crafts, Dreidel Corner, “nutty” holiday scavenger hunt, reading nook with holiday and winter stories, and puppet shows with Wonderspark Puppets at 2 and 3 p.m. 127 Middle Neck Road. Admission is $40/car, members; $45/ car nonmembers, includes parking. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
8
Sugar Plum Ball/ Galactic Gala
Bring the kids to celebrate the season at festivities hosted by the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, Sunday, Dec. 8, noon-4 p.m., at Fox Hollow in Woodbury. Kids ages 4-12, accompanied by their adult guest (Mom, Dad, grandparent, etc.), will enjoy a unique party featuring food, fun and some special guests including princesses, fairies and visitors from a Galaxy Far, Far Away.
With lunch, DJ, magic show, dancing, raffles, games, photo ops, and more, even Jedi-training. Enjoy a sit down lunch and meet characters from some favorite shows and movies. Cost for each child/adult pair is $195. Advance reservation only. All proceeds benefit CP Nassau. Call CP Nassau at (516) 378-2000 ext. 651 for reservations or visit cpnassau. org. 7755 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury.
On exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition
“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition will span various world cultures through a range of media.
It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority. Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Family theater
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Friday, Dec. 6, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; also Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 10-12, 10:-15 a.m. and noon. Ezra Jack Keats’ “The Snowy Day & Other Stories” celebrates the joy in the small moments of a child’s world. Experience the wonder of a fresh snowfall, the delight of whistling for the first time, and the awe of finding a special treasure. In this childhood adventure, Keats’ classic books come to life, featuring live actors and shadow puppets telling the stories of “The Snowy Day,” “Goggles!,” “Whistle for Willie,” and “A Letter to Amy.” $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.
Community Chorus gives the gift of song
By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com
The North Shore Community Chorus will hold its annual holiday concert on Sunday, Dec. 8, at St. Dominic’s Church in Oyster Bay. The event, featuring a program of sacred music centered around the Psalms, begins at 4 p.m. and is free to the public, with a freewill offering benefiting the church.
Founded in 1983 by Stephen Goldstein, then a choral music teacher at North Shore High School, the choir has brought together music lovers from across Long Island for over four decades. Goldstein, who continues to direct the choir, said the group’s members include a mix of amateur singers, music teachers, and professional vocalists.
This year’s concert, titled “A Festival of Psalms,” will feature both classic and contemporary settings of well-known texts. Highlights include Leonard Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms,” featuring 11-year-old boy soprano Andrew Nagel of Stony Brook, a member of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra. The program also includes compositions by Goldstein himself, including original settings of Psalms 23 and 121, as well as favorites like “How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place” from Brahms’ “Requiem.”
“Sacred music has a way of resonating with people, regardless of their background,” Goldstein said. “The Psalms we’ve selected are absolute gems of the repertoire, and we’ve worked hard to create a program that feels both uplifting and profound.”
Accompanying the choir will be a small ensemble including organist Donald Larson, harpist Marjorie Fitz, and a percussionist. The use of St. Dominic’s Church, located at 93 Anstice St., offers an intimate setting for the performance.
“St. Dominic’s has been gracious in hosting us, especially as scheduling at North Shore High School has grown more complicated,” Goldstein said. “The sanctuary is a beautiful space with wonderful acoustics, and last year we had nearly 300 people attend.”
The North Shore Community Chorus performs three concerts annually, including a spring masterworks concert with orchestra and a summer pops concert. The holiday concert, however, holds a special place for Goldstein and his singers.
“This group is about more than music—it’s about
community,” he said. “We come together to share something beautiful, and that spirit is what makes these performances so meaningful.”
No tickets are required for the event, but Goldstein recommends arriving early to secure seating near the front for the best balance of sound.
“The closer you are, the more you’ll enjoy the voices, especially Andrew’s incredible solo,” he said.
For more information, visit the North Shore Community Chorus’ website, NorthShoreChorus.org, or contact St. Dominic’s Church at (516) 922-4488.
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The North Shore Community Chorus is made up of singers, amateur and professional, from across Long Island.
HERALD NEIGHBORS
The ‘price was right’ for Glenwood Landing teacher
Kerri McDonagh, a third-grade teacher at Glenwood Landing School, was on “Wheel of Fortune” this Nov. 27.
“It was an incredible once in a lifetime experience,” McDonagh said. “I’ve watched ‘Wheel of Fortune’ with my family since I was in elementary school. I was thrilled to share this experience with my students and the families of Glenwood Landing School.”
McDonagh won $9,500 and came in second place! She spun the Wheel and successfully solved the following difficult puzzles including “Texas Hold ‘Em” for song title and “Window Shopper” for person category!.
“As a teacher, it is so important to
build background knowledge through content. That was an important factor in recognizing the puzzle categories when solving,” McDonagh said. “My knowledge of phonics also helped to anticipate spelling patterns when calling out vowels and consonants. Hopefully, one day I can see my own students on the show.”
The North Shore School District congratulated McDonagh for her “Wheel of Fortune” appearance at their recent Board of Education meeting. She concluded by saying, “My class was so excited. We did a little ‘Wheel of Fortune’ inspired dictation in Fundations to commemorate my appearance on the program in November!”
NEWS BRIEF
O.B. residents urged to give the gift of life
With hospitals facing a nationwide blood shortage, the Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to attend a Blood Collection Drive on Dec. 23 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Hicksville Athletic Center, located at 167 S. Broadway in Hicksville.
“Blood supplies are critically needed for local hospitals to meet the demand and continue saving lives,” Town Councilman Lou Imbroto stated. “Please consider participating in this blood drive to help bolster our blood banks and ensure as many people as possible can be helped. Together, we can give the gift of life though a simple blood donation.”
Appointments are preferred for the Town’s Blood Drive. To qualify as a donor, a person must be between the ages of 17 and 75 years old (16 with parental permission and 76 or older with a doctor’s note), weigh at least 110
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting will be held as to the following matter:
Agency:Zoning Board of Appeals
Village of Sea Cliff
Date:December 18, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place:Village Hall, 300 Sea Cliff Avenue, Sea Cliff, New York
Subject:Application of Eugene Alletto, member of 1 Harriet Court LLC, 1 Harriet Court, Sea Cliff, to install an egress and window and air conditioner compressors, which construction requires variances of the following Village Code sections: (a) 138-511, to permit the egress window 4 feet from the northerly side property line, where a minimum of 15 feet is required, and (b) 138-516, to permit the air conditioner compressors to be 4 feet from the northerly side property line, where a minimum setback of 15 feet is required. Premises are designated on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map as Section 21, Block 89, Lot 34.
pounds and not have donated blood within the last 56 days.
Anyone who received a tattoo within the past three months is ineligible to donate. It is recommended that donors eat well (low fat) and drink fluids in the days before the Blood Drive.
“It’s quick, easy, and safe to donate a single pint of blood which can save up to three lives,” added Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Donating blood at the Hicksville Athletic Center, is an incredible way for all of us to pitch in and give back, to help ease the burden of our Healthcare Heroes as they continue to provide lifesaving efforts.”
For additional information regarding the Town’s Blood Drive, contact (516) 624-6380. To make an appointment to donate at this Blood Drive, sign up today at OysterBayTown.com/blooddrive.
Application of Justin Henneman, member of Henneman Holdings LLC, 272 Sea Cliff Avenue, Sea Cliff, New York, to construct a new second story, which construction requires variances of the following Village Code sections: (a) 138-805, to permit a lot size of 712 square feet, where 4,000 square feet is required, (b) 138-806, to permit a lot coverage of 83.5%, where a maximum of 80% is permitted, (c) 138-807, to permit a front property line of 17.2 feet, where a minimum of 40 feet is required, (d) 138-808, to permit a front yard setback of 0 feet, where a minimum of 3 feet is required, (e) 138-811, to permit a side yard setback of 3.5 feet, where either 0 or 10 feet is required, (f) 138-1002, to provide for no parking spaces, where 3 are required, (g) 138-1004, to permit no loading spaces, where loading spaces are required, and (g) 138-1001, in that no building may be constructed or used, or the use intensified unless the required number of off-street parking and loading spaces are provided. Premises are designated on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map as Section 21, Block 13, Lot 1412.
Application of Eugene Alletto, member of 14 Bay Avenue LLC, 14 Bay Avenue, Sea Cliff, New York to construct a house and a swimming pool (as the term “swimming pool” is defined in Article XVII of Chapter 138). Applicant appeals the Building Inspector’s determination that the applicant requires variances and a special permit. In the alternative,
applicant seeks (a) a special permit pursuant to Village Code §138-1703(A) to construct a swimming pool, and (b) variances of the following Village Code sections: (i) 138-1703(B)(3), to permit the pool to be 7.4 feet from the side property line, where a minimum of 25 feet is required, (ii) 138-1703(B)(2), to permit the pool to be within 30 feet of a steep slope, where no such pool is permitted to be located, (iii) 138-703(B)(7), to permit the pool to be 0 feet from a dwelling, where no such pool may be located within 15 feet of a dwelling, and (iv) 138-414.1, to permit a floor area of 4,750 square feet, where a maximum of 4,102 square feet is permitted. Premises are designated on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map as Section 21, Block F, Lot 89. At the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matters. Any person having a disability which would inhibit attendance at or participation in the hearing should notify the Village Clerk at least three (3) business days prior to the hearing, so that reasonable efforts may be made to facilitate such attendance and participation. All relevant documents may be inspected at the office of the Village Clerk, 300 Sea Cliff Avenue, Sea Cliff, New York, during regular business hours. Dated: December 3, 2024 BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Sarah Beaudin, Village Clerk 150382
Bonnie Link, Esq., Referee File # 7755157 150380
LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, INC., MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-4, Plaintiff - against - LARRY BLUMSTEIN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on April 2, 2019. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 7th day of January, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Sea Cliff, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York. Premises known as 1 Richardson Avenue, Sea Cliff, NY 11579. (Section: 21, Block: 222, Lot: 431) Approximate amount of lien $624,040.05 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 018968/2009.
Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON CORPORATION F/K/A BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERITIFICATE HOLDERS CWALT, INC., ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2005-77T1 MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-77T1, Plaintiff against BRIAN LEVENSTEIN, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Leopold & Associates, PLLC, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered September 17, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 118 Willow Street, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577. Sec 7 Block 28 Lot 8-10. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $1,114,311.74 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 000443/2016. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Tel. 347/286-7409
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: October 30, 2024
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.
150209
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU DLJ MORTGAGE CAPITAL, INC., Plaintiff AGAINST JOHN TOWNLEY, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 19, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 8, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 79 15th Avenue, Sea Cliff, NY 11579. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Sea Cliff, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 21, Block 150, Lot 0643. Approximate amount of judgment $677,149.54 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #613463/2018. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Sean C. Acosta Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-006104 83131 150236
Courtesy Sony Pictures Television
Kerri McDonagh, a third-grade teacher at Glenwood Landing School, was on “Wheel of Fortune” on Nov. 27.
OPINIONS
Remembering Jimmy Breslin, a legend in New York journalism
Ihave always been an avid reader of newspapers, and have a great admiration for columnists, particularly Jimmy Cannon, and then Jimmy Breslin and Pete Hamill. That’s why I so appreciate the opportunity to write a column for the Heralds. All of this came rushing back at me as I was reading the recently published biography “Jimmy Breslin,” by Richard Esposito. Breslin was a unique character. No one understood New York’s people, neighborhoods and streets like him.
Breslin’s New York was Queens Boulevard, not Park Avenue. It was cops, prizefighters, bookies and cold beer (until he stopped drinking, anyway). I started reading his columns years ago, in the old Journal-American, and continued with him through the Herald Tribune, the Daily News
and Newsday. I first met Breslin in the 1980s, and we became close friends in the late 1990s. My wife, Rosemary, and I would go to dinner with Jimmy and his wife, Ronnie, at least once a month, and he and I would talk at least once a day. When Jimmy wanted to talk, he wouldn’t stop, and it was almost impossible to get off the phone with him, even if you had work to do. I found that the one way to close out a conversation was to compliment him on something. In true Irish fashion, he would get flustered, mumble a rushed goodbye and slam down the phone.
attending funerals of mutual friends, giving each other support in an Irish sort of way. He came to my daughter Erin’s wedding and reception, and stayed to the very end — and that was long after he’d stopped drinking!
W hen he wanted to talk, it was impossible to get off the phone with him.
Breslin was a great guy to be with. He was tough and cynical, but had endless stories and was a true friend — when he was still your friend. He wrote several columns about me during President Bill Clinton’s impeachment that I will always cherish, and he wrote a great blurb for my first novel (which he probably never read). We commiserated after the 9/11 attacks,
During these good times, though, I would have in the back of my head columns Breslin used to write when he was living in Baldwin, listing people he would no longer speak with. Though he stopped issuing those lists, I wondered when my number would be up. I found out in March 2003, when Rosemary sent him a heated note, blasting him for comparing President George W. Bush to Adolf Hitler. That ended it. It was curtain time. No more phone calls or dinners. I did call him once when I heard there was a serious illness in his family.
“Jimmy, I heard the news,” I said. “I’m sorry. I’m thinking of you.”
“Yeah,” he replied, “I’ll be thinking of you, too. Goodbye.”
Later I saw him at the renowned
journalist Jack Newfield’s funeral, and we had a quick handshake. Several years after that, in 2009, Rosemary and I went to the funeral of Breslin’s daughter Kelly at an old church in Lower Manhattan. Afterward we sat and talked with him at a table in the churchyard for 10 or 15 minutes. The conversation was warm and friendly, almost like it used to be. When it was time to say so long, I said, “Jimmy, we should get together.”
“Yeah,” he said. “We should. That’d be good.” We shook hands.
We never got together. I wish we had. Breslin died in 2017, and a large part of New York died with him.
Esposito’s biography brings back the memories not just of Breslin, but of the days when newspapers and their columnists — and the written word — had such a vital role to play in our society. While much of that has died, I commend the Herald for keeping the tradition alive for the people of Long Island.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
No matter who’s president, L.I.’s middle class
Eight years ago, about four months into Donald Trump’s first term as president, the Herald published an op-ed I wrote entitled “What American Dream?” in which I lamented the ever-growing financial burden on Long Island’s middle class.
Despite all the hard work I put in, I wrote, I was decidedly worse off than my mother and father were a generation earlier. I laid equal blame on Democrats and Republicans, who had rotated in and out of Washington all my life and done little to stop the downward spiral. “And his promises notwithstanding,” I added, “President Trump will likely do little to change our trajectory.”
He did not.
And, in all fairness, neither did President Biden.
Eight years ago I noted that my wife and I worked full time as teachers, but that she had to care for our kids alone during the week, while I tutored after school to keep up with ever-rising expenses.
Today I tutor two to three times as much as I did then. Not out of greed, but necessity. My wife continues to do the lion’s share of the work with the kids, but she, too, has taken on a second job, doing early intervention for specialneeds 2-year-olds. So, eight years ago, we basically needed three incomes to make it. Now we need four.
BSome of my colleagues at school were elated after Election Day that we have another four years of Trump coming, almost as if their team had won the Super Bowl. It has always surprised me how any teacher can support the guy whose Supreme Court appointee, Neil Gorsuch, rendered the decisive vote in Janus v. AFSCME, a case that weakened public-sector unions like the ones we belong to.
House — our lives here on Long Island are not going to get any easier.
That’s because we’ve witnessed a steady erosion of the middle class since 1973, when real wages started to fall against the backdrop of an energy crisis and pronounced inflation. The true death knell was President Ronald Reagan’s taking office in 1980. Reagan slashed taxes for corporations and the wealthy with the idea that the financial benefits at the top of the economic food chain would trickle down to the rest of us. Only they didn’t.
y the time I graduated from eighth grade in 1992, working moms were the norm.
To be fair, others at school were crestfallen.
I, on the other hand, for the first time in my adult life, paid absolutely no attention to this election, and did not watch one minute of election night coverage. Although I voted for Kamala Harris, I did not shed a tear.
That’s because I’ve heard this song before. I know how this movie ends. It doesn’t matter who’s in the White
I’m by no means an economist, but consider this: When I entered kindergarten in 1983, my mother was one of a few moms who needed to get a job to help make ends meet. The embarrassment of getting picked up by another classmate’s mother will forever be etched in my memory. Years later, my mother told me how the guilt I laid on her at the time absolutely broke her heart. Sorry, Mom. I love you.
But by the time I graduated from eighth grade in 1992, working moms were the norm. I can only recall one or two classmates whose mothers didn’t work. Things had certainly changed, and they only continued to get worse.
struggles
I’m not piling on Republicans, because there were 20 years of Democratic presidents as well between then and now. My colleagues, both jubilant and dejected after this past Election Day, might remember that the roles were reversed in 2008, when Barack Obama was first elected. Regardless of who has led the country, things haven’t gotten a whole lot better.
That’s because the people at the top — the corporate interests that really run America — don’t want them to. As the late, great comedian George Carlin said, “Our country’s a big club … and you ain’t in it!”
Nobody should have been surprised that Trump trounced the incumbentbacked Harris. Middle class voters have been drowning for 50 years, desperately hoping someone would toss them a life vest that never seems to come.
I wish I shared my Trump-supporting colleagues’ optimism, or even the Harris supporters’ melancholy, but I just don’t. I don’t think any real help is coming, regardless of who is in office.
I will gladly eat my words in four years if my wallet is fatter and prices are lower. But I doubt that’s going to happen.
Nick Buglione is a teacher, a freelance journalist and a former editor of the East Meadow Herald.
PETER KING
NICK BUGLIONE
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BIn Long Islanders we trust
eginning with the birth of our nation, Long Islanders have shaped the policies of America as well as our country’s impact on the world. Suffolk County’s William Floyd was one of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. President Theodore Roosevelt, who made his home in Oyster Bay, is often cited as one of our greatest leaders. Bellmore’s William Casey served as President Ronald Reagan’s CIA director during an era fraught with Cold War tensions.
As the Biden administration sunsets and President-elect Donald Trump’s second administration begins to take shape, Long Islanders are once again positioned to influence our nation and the course of human history.
T rump has nominated Howard Lutnick, from Jericho, to serve as secretary of commerce. Lutnick, the chairman and chief executive of the global financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, strongly supports the president-elect’s plans to impose tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico, which would have dramatic impacts on the global economy.
T rump has chosen Dr. Dave Weldon, a Farmingdale High School and Stony Brook University graduate, to head the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Weldon, a former congressman from Florida, would succeed fellow Long Islander Dr. Mandy Cohen, a Baldwin native whom President Biden appointed to the role last year. (Another Baldwin native, Karine Jean-Pierre, has served as President Biden’s White House press secretary since 2022.)
Given the recent politicization of the CDC, as well as the anti-establishment views of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom
LETTERS
Trump has selected as his secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services — which oversees the CDC — Weldon is set to wield unique power in setting public health policy.
Biden named Dr. David Kessler, a graduate of Woodmere Academy (now the Lawrence Woodmere Academy) as the lead scientist on the coronavirus vaccine distribution efforts. Kessler formerly headed the Food and Drug Administration under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
T rump has also named Steve Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. Witkoff, who was raised in Baldwin Harbor and Old Westbury, is a successful real estate developer and a major benefactor of Hofstra University, where he earned a law degree. (He shares that law school alma mater with Charles Kushner, the father of Trump’s son-inlaw, Jared Kushner, and a convicted felon whom Trump has selected as ambassador to France.) Witkoff’s appointment continues Trump’s selection of Long Islanders for critical Middle East policy roles.
In Trump’s first term, the U.S. ambassador to Israel was David Friedman, who grew up in North Woodmere. The son of Rabbi Morris Friedman, who led Temple Hillel for 33 years and brought Reagan to the synagogue in 1984, David Friedman played a pivotal role in promoting Trump’s Middle East policies, from the decision to relocate the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, to supporting the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
T rump also announced his choice of Garden City’s Kash Patel as director of
Randi just won’t stop with Trump
To the Editor:
I just finished reading Randi Kreiss’s column, “Dear readers, we can’t keep it in neutral” (Nov. 28-Dec. 4). It seems that Randi is totally consumed by Trump derangement syndrome. Donald Trump is a deeply flawed soul to be sure, but when compared with Hillary and Harris, he is Abe Lincoln.
When he left office, but for the horror of Covid, the country was at peace and the economy was in great shape. Could this country endure four more years of what we just went through? Obviously not! The fake dossier, the disgraceful lawfare, and it goes on and on.
Trump establishes the Depar tment of Government Efficiency and the left mocks him unendingly. When it pays enormous dividends, they will ignore it, as they always do. Thank God the country was sickened by the last four years and overwhelmingly decided to reject it!
the FBI. Leaders on both sides of the aisle, however, have expressed concerns about that choice, because of what they perceive to be Patel’s desire to dismantle the very institution he has been tapped to lead, as well as his lack of relevant experience.
“I categorically opposed making Patel deputy FBI director,” William Barr, who served as attorney general under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Trump, wrote in his 2022 book, “One Damn Thing After Another.” “I told Mark Meadows,” Barr added, referring to Trump’s White House chief of staff, “it would happen ‘over my dead body.’ Someone with no background as an agent would never be able to command the respect necessary to run the day-to-day operations of the bureau.”
Finally, there’s former U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, who, in 2022, unsuccessfully challenged Gov. Kathy Hochul in New York’s gubernatorial election. Zeldin, an Army veteran who represented New York’s 1st Congressional District from 2015 to 2023, is poised to become Trump’s administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. In that role, Zeldin would have wide-ranging powers to create or eliminate regulations that protect the environment.
Many of Trump’s selections must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. We expect most of them will be, or will serve in interim roles. Regardless, these Long Islanders are a testament to the region’s diverse influence on national politics and international diplomacy.
We hope they don’t forget where they came from, and make decisions that uplift not only our country, but also the Long Island communities they once called home.
OPINIONS
We must keep local control over school districts
Oyster Bay town supervisor, representing over 300,000 residents — many of whom are parents, educators and stakeholders in our children’s future — I must express grave concern over the State Education Department’s proposal to regionalize public school systems statewide. On behalf of the Oyster Bay Town Board, I urge Gov. Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature to immediate halt the department’s plans, which would undermine local control, bypass legislative oversight, and potentially jeopardize the quality of education we hold dear.
T he Town of Oyster Bay proudly supports local school districts, each uniquely tailored to meet the needs of their communities. The proposed regionalization plan is an unnecessary and ill-conceived “emergency regulation,” introduced without any actual emergency to justify such drastic changes. Even more troubling, the proposal circumvents local boards of edu-
LETTERS
Shop safely during the holidays
To the Editor:
The Nassau County Police Department advises shoppers to be vigilant for their safety and the safety of others this holiday season. Before leaving home, secure and engage alarms, and leaving lights on in frequented rooms to give the appearance that people are home.
Plan your shopping trips, know where you’re going and, if possible, go with someone else. Let someone know where you’re going. Park in an area that’s well lit, and make sure your valuables are out of sight. Avoid parking near vans or other vehicles with covered cargo areas. Don’t get out of your car unless you feel safe, lock your vehicle, and remember where you’ve parked.
As you shop, keep money and credit/debit cards in a front pocket, and limit the number of cards and the
cation, the Legislature and, most important, the voices of parents. Worse yet, under these plans, school districts would be stripped of the ability to opt out, effectively removing autonomy from local communities.
Oyster Bay is home to some of the nation’s most exceptional school districts, a point of pride for families who move here specifically for the high standard of education. This success is no accident; it is the result of years of careful planning, leadership and investment by local school boards and superintendents who understand the unique needs of their students. A one-size-fitsall, regionalized approach threatens to undermine this carefully built system. If regionalization were implemented, resources and educators would likely be redistributed and stretched thin. This could degrade the quality of education, disrupt local accountability, and force residents to shoulder additional financial burdens at a time when families are already grappling with inflation and economic uncertainty.
Aone-sizefits-all, regionalized approach to education will undermine us.
challenges. We must ask ourselves, how does shifting resources away from high-performing schools improve education for all? The answer is simple — it doesn’t. Instead, it risks dragging everyone down to a lowestcommon-denominator approach that would help no one and harm many.
T he Education Department has framed this proposal as a response to an “emergency” in education, but where is the evidence?
Parents want their tax dollars to benefit their local schools, not to subsidize distant districts with unrelated
cash you carry. To avoid identity theft, be careful when exposing your cards and other identification at cash registers and ATMs. Be aware that thieves use cellphones to capture card and identity information. Be cognizant of distractions that could be staged to avert your attention.
When you return to your vehicle, don’t do so with your arms full of packages. Use a cart. Be ready to unlock your car door. Check the parking lot for suspicious-looking people, and if you see anyone loitering nearby, don’t go to your vehicle.
Carry a whistle or other audible device, and if you feel threatened, use it. Before getting into your vehicle, look around and inside it. Once inside, lock the doors, and if you have to, use your horn to attract attention.
Always be aware of your surroundings.
NASSAU COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
According to Education Week’s Quality Counts report, New York’s education system ranks among the top 10 in the nation. Our state’s schools, while not without challenges, are far from being in a crisis that requires such heavy-handed measures. Instead of addressing specific issues in struggling districts, this plan imposes a blanket solution that would penalize successful schools and their communities. What’s more, the plan appears to be driven not by data or necessity, but by an agenda pushed by unelected Albany bureaucrats. Decisions about education should not be dictated by individuals who are disconnected from the needs of our students, families and educators. Unfortunately, this regionalization
FRAMEWORK by Tim Baker
proposal is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader trend of state overreach into local matters. From efforts to mandate high-density apartment buildings in suburban neighborhoods to attempts to overhaul local election processes, the state has repeatedly sought to diminish local control. Each of these initiatives erodes the ability of communities to govern themselves in ways that reflect their values and priorities. We must stand firm against this overreach while reaffirming our commitment to local decision-making, especially when it comes to the education of our children.
T he future of our children, our schools and our communities is at stake. Regionalization is not the answer when it comes to improving education in New York state. It is a misguided attempt to fix problems that do not exist in many districts while failing to address the real issues in others.
I urge you to join us in opposing this plan. Let’s send a clear message to Governor Hochul, state lawmakers and the Education Department: Keep local control where it belongs — in the hands of parents, educators and communities. Sign the petition at oysterbaytown. com/schools.
Joseph Saladino is supervisor of the Town of Oyster Bay.
JOSEPH SALADINO
At the Froehlich Family Lights, on Sherwood Drive — East Meadow
